Sports
Full List of Countries that have qualified for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Full List of Countries that have qualified for 2026 FIFA World Cup
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, excitement is building for what will be the biggest tournament in history, featuring 48 teams for the first time...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
Set to take place across Canada, Mexico and the United States, the expanded World Cup promises more drama, more nations, and more unforgettable moments.
So far, 28 countries have officially booked their spots, leaving 20 places still up for grabs as qualifying campaigns continue around the world.
Here are Countries that have qualified for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Host Nations
Canada
Canada completes the trio of host nations for the 2026 tournament, marking the first time the Maple Leafs will appear in back-to-back World Cups. Their previous appearances were in 1986 and 2022, both ending at the group stage.
Mexico
Mexico will host the World Cup for a record third time after staging it in 1970 and 1986. The 2026 edition marks their 18th appearance, with their best results being quarter-final finishes in both home tournaments.
United States
The U.S. team automatically qualifies as co-hosts, securing a second consecutive appearance. This will be their 12th World Cup and second on home soil after USA ’94. Their best finish remains the semi-finals at the inaugural 1930 World Cup.
Asia (AFC)
Japan
Japan eased through qualification to secure their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance with three games to spare in the final Asian qualifying round.
Korea Republic (South Korea)
The Taeguk Warriors will compete in their 11th consecutive World Cup after a 2-0 win over Iraq in June.
Iran
Iran qualified for their fourth straight World Cup after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Uzbekistan on March 25.
Uzbekistan
History was made as Uzbekistan secured a top-two finish in the Asian qualifiers, earning their first-ever World Cup appearance.
Jordan
Jordan also made history by qualifying for their maiden World Cup after a 3-0 win over Oman.
Australia
The Socceroos earned their sixth straight World Cup spot after a comeback 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia, marking their first direct qualification since 2014.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia booked their third consecutive World Cup berth with a goalless draw against Iraq. They will aim to surpass their best-ever Round of 16 finish from USA 1994.
Qatar
The 2022 hosts secured qualification with a 2-1 win over the UAE, thanks to assists from star forward Akram Afif.
Africa (CAF)
Morocco
The 2022 semi-finalists became the first African team to qualify for the 2026 tournament after a dominant 5-0 win over Niger.
Tunisia
Tunisia sealed qualification with two games to spare, maintaining an impressive defensive record throughout the qualifiers.
Egypt
Led by Mohamed Salah, Egypt booked their ticket with a 3-0 victory over Djibouti, returning to the World Cup after missing Qatar 2022.
Algeria
The Desert Foxes return to the global stage for the first time since 2014, following a 3-0 win over Somalia.
Ghana
The Black Stars will make their fifth World Cup appearance after topping Group I with a crucial 1-0 victory over Comoros.
Côte d’Ivoire
The Elephants secured their place with a 3-0 win against Kenya, marking their return after a decade-long absence.
Senegal
The Lions of Teranga topped Group B after a 4-0 win over Mauritania, qualifying for their fourth World Cup.
South Africa
Bafana Bafana ended a 16-year wait by defeating Rwanda 3-0 to finish top of Group C ahead of Nigeria.
Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde made history by qualifying for their first-ever World Cup after topping Group D with a 3-0 win over Eswatini.
South America (CONMEBOL)
Argentina
The defending champions were the first South American team to qualify, securing their place after Bolivia’s draw with Uruguay.
Brazil
Under new coach Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil maintained their perfect qualification record, extending their streak as the only nation to feature in every World Cup.
Uruguay
Marcelo Bielsa’s side clinched a fifth straight appearance with a convincing 3-0 win over Peru.
Ecuador
Ecuador confirmed qualification after a 0-0 draw with Peru, marking their fifth World Cup appearance this century.
Paraguay
Paraguay return to the tournament for the first time since 2010 after a goalless draw with Ecuador.
Colombia
After missing out in 2022, Colombia are back with James Rodríguez inspiring a 3-0 win over Bolivia to secure qualification.
Oceania (OFC)
New Zealand
The All Whites defeated New Caledonia 3-0 in the OFC final to reach their third World Cup, having last appeared in 2010.
Europe (UEFA)
England
England comfortably qualified for an eighth consecutive World Cup after a 5-0 win over Latvia. It will be their first tournament on U.S. soil since missing USA 1994.
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino has insisted that Iran “will be participating” in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, dismissing calls for Italy to replace them. Iran is currently embroiled in a war with the USA and Israel, raising doubts about their participation. Infantino said, “The reason is simple, because we have to unite. We have to bring people together.” Iran’s group matches are scheduled to be played in the United States.
Key Points:
Iran was the only country not represented at Thursday’s FIFA congress in Vancouver.
Trump’s special envoy had pushed for Italy to replace Iran, claiming a “more than 50 per cent chance.”
Italian football officials have insisted they would not want to be added to the tournament this way.
Iran will face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, then Egypt in Seattle.
The World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
Infantino’s statement rules out the possibility of an Italy recall.
Sources: Complete Sports
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Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has reaffirmed his commitment to Galatasaray amid growing transfer speculation linking him to Barcelona and Arsenal. The 27-year-old said, “I think I’ve found a home here where I am comfortable.” Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli two years ago before completing a permanent €75 million transfer last summer. He has recorded 57 goals and 15 assists in 72 appearances for the Turkish giants.
Key Points:
Osimhen is the highest earner in Turkey with a package of around €21 million net.
He praised the club’s atmosphere, calling it “family, love, unity, and utmost respect.”
He said hundreds of fans crowded the airport to welcome him upon arrival.
The club organised an elaborate tifo to honour him and his late mother.
Any formal bid would need to be in the nine-figure range...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
Osimhen’s comments suggest he is settled in Istanbul and not looking for a move.
Sources: Soccernet, Complete Sports
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Former Super Eagles midfielder Sunday Oliseh has praised the late Nigerian football legend Stephen Keshi as the nation’s “first genuine superstar.” Speaking on the Global Football Insights podcast, Oliseh said:
“We never questioned his quality as a player because you could see how he performed. This man was the first superstar of Nigerian football.” He highlighted Keshi’s leadership, professionalism, and impact both on and off the field.
Key Points:..TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
Keshi became the first Nigerian to play in a major UEFA club competition final.
He was a member of the victorious 1994 Super Eagles AFCON-winning team.
Oliseh noted Keshi would fly from Belgium to play at AFCON and return to his club.
He described Keshi as disciplined and a winner who “led by example.”
Keshi’s playing career included stints in Belgium, France, and the Ivory Coast.
Oliseh emphasised that Keshi’s performances were self-evident and propelled him to legendary status.
Sources: Complete Sports
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